This is the very old and extremely unique area of Cusco situated on the higher slopes of the city above the main Plaza and behind the Cathedral. The streets are steep, narrow and cobbled; the predominant colours are a creamy white and blue and the name signs of the streets are presented in blue and white tiles.
The area is famous for all the various artisan shops, small cafes and many hostels for backpackers.
Yésica, our guide, showed us numerous places of interest, one of the more notable being the home of the Mendivil family.
This gentleman and his children produce amazing sculptures formed around a wooden stand and using rice paste and cloth to form the figures. All the figures are distinguished by elongated necks and colourfully painted.
We just managed to drop into a very small coca leaf shop in order to sample the wares! The coca leaf chocolates were delicious; however, Yésica was most disappointed because the coca leaf brownies were not out of the oven when we arrived, obviously one of her very favourites. Just before departing the shop we did manage to taste the coca leaf beer.
Another very famous artist of this area was a name by the name of Salomon, he died only a few years ago and one of his pieces is hanging behind the altar at the Columban Center House in Lima.
Seeing the San Blas area is just behind the Cusco Cathedral I feel that I should write a few words about this building. It would have to be one of the most amazing churches I have ever seen and virtually impossible to begin to describe. Another problem being the fact that you are not permitted to take photographs while inside the actual building. If you are interested in seeing some of the interior it is worth while checking the internet.
No comments:
Post a Comment